What make and model sewing machines are recommended for an occasional use. Would be sewing more canvas than nylon. But would also sew nylon. My aunt has helped me makes some gear in the past but distance and is a limiting factor.

For occasional use, you may want to look for a sturdy older machine. I few years back I found an old Singer built in the 1950's on Craigslist for $20. Does straight stitches forward and backward - that's it - but it is strong enough to punch through layers of heavy canvas, Cordura, and leather, yet handles 1.1 oz silnylon well too. I'd love a fancy pants machine, but my $20 machine has got a lot of miles left in it.

Ditto jaywalker. I've got my mom's Singer 626, which is a more fancy unit that does zig zag and a couple other decorative stitches, however all the gears inside are steel or brass. With proper care my kids will probably throw it out long after I'm gone. ;-)
Most affordable modern era machines will have plastic or nylon gears inside, and won't last against the demands of constructing outdoor gear.

I have an older Bernina that I love. It can do some heavier stuff, like jeans, but I think if I planned on doing a lot of heavier fabrics like canvas then I would look for a machine designed for that.

Steve, it was good to meet you and your family this past weekend.
For the canvas pack and other things I showed you, I used my wife's Kenmore machine which is about 25 years old but used very little! She wasn't real excited about me using it since I had no idea what I was doing at the time but it worked fine and did a great job. A few things I did learn was to be sure to use a proper heavy duty needle made for canvas, replace it often ensuring that you always have a sharp needle and to go slow. In a few areas, especially corners where I had several layers coming together, I would turn the flywheel by hand to avoid stressing the motor and gears too much.
Good luck with your projects.
Another Steve

Old machines might still have a lot of life in them if you like to tinker. I gave this Singer 111 some updates and have been fairly well satisfied with it.

Singer 111

wandrinsteve: "Steve, it was good to meet you and your family this past weekend.
For the canvas pack and other things I showed you, I used my wife's Kenmore machine which is about 25 years old but used very little! She wasn't real excited about me using it since I had no idea what I was doing at the time but it worked fine and did a great job. A few things I did learn was to be sure to use a proper heavy duty needle made for canvas, replace it often ensuring that you always have a sharp needle and to go slow. In a few areas, especially corners where I had several layers coming together, I would turn the flywheel by hand to avoid stressing the motor and gears too much.
Good luck with your projects.
Another Steve "

Thank Steve. Do you know the model of the Kenmore

I am looking at an old old 31-15 that has been upgraded with a new service motor tonight.

She has other machines too. There sure are a lot on Craigslist. I just don't know what I am looking at.

Thanks for all the advice.

Fortunate1: "

wandrinsteve: "Steve, it was good to meet you and your family this past weekend.
For the canvas pack and other things I showed you, I used my wife's Kenmore machine which is about 25 years old but used very little! She wasn't real excited about me using it since I had no idea what I was doing at the time but it worked fine and did a great job. A few things I did learn was to be sure to use a proper heavy duty needle made for canvas, replace it often ensuring that you always have a sharp needle and to go slow. In a few areas, especially corners where I had several layers coming together, I would turn the flywheel by hand to avoid stressing the motor and gears too much.
Good luck with your projects.
Another Steve "

Thank Steve. Do you know the model of the Kenmore


I am looking at an old old 31-15 that has been upgraded with a new service motor tonight.


She has other machines too. There sure are a lot on Craigslist. I just don't know what I am looking at.


Thanks for all the advice.
"

No model name just the number. It is a Kenmore, Model # 385.16528000.

I would recommend a Viking 6440 - it has a "low" gear to sew leather and thicker-tougher stuff. I make and alter packs and the like - my favorite machine!! Get it used on Craig's list - about $100.

I've got a Singer 201 and 500A, either one would be fine for what you're describing. Additionally, a 15-91, 66K, 98K, 99K, 115, 128K, 301A, 401, 403A, 404G, or 503A would work as well. There are a lot more models than that in Singer's history, but those models (if they run reasonably well) should be able to handle your project.

Fortunate1: "What make and model sewing machines are recommended for an occasional use. Would be sewing more canvas than nylon. But would also sew nylon. My aunt has helped me makes some gear in the past but distance and is a limiting factor.

"

As others already suggested, Craigslist is usually the best option for buying - you'll find a lot of people with "broken" machines for sale. Often these machines are fully functional, the seller just doesn't know anything about them. That's how we got our first Singer for my wife (it cost us about 40$), if I'm not mistaken it was threaded all way wrong so she fixed it.
It is not at all designed for heavier fabric - and I've never tried to sew nylon with it - but it still works.
Need to warn you, older machines require some maintenance before usage, though it's possible to find replacement parts (unless you got an extremely rare model).

I wasn't so lucky with my first Craiglist purchase unfortunately, so I got a modern one Singer (HD 4452 , so-called "heavy duty" home machine) with a good discount for my projects/fixes. It goes through 2 layers of bar tacked tubular webbing, plus 4 layers of fleece no problem (at lower speed).
But even comparing to wife's vintage Singer it's just... weaker.
Can't say it was a bad purchase though.

Also a piece of advice - make sure you get heavy duty needles for your projects.
Any sewing store will carry these, so you can bring in whatever needle came with your machine to make sure you get the kind that will fit. It matters.

Good luck choosing and don't forget to share photos of your projects with us!

upd: deleting a second message

Joe, you are right about the heavy thread - and make sure you have a large needle (90 - or 100 - 110) so the heavy thread flows through easily. Also check the TOP tension. Increase it until you get well formed stitches on both top and bottom of stitch line. You shouldn't mess with the bottom tension. - only in very rare occasions and if you really know what you are doing. Good luck.